Now that the first wave of headliners is out of the way, the focus has shifted to the massive gaps still left on the poster.
We’ve seen a ton of new tour announcements and festival billings pop up over the last few weeks, and you know what that means - the Bramham Park rumour mill is officially starting to buzz again.
It’s that time of year when everyone starts playing detective, cross-referencing tour dates and radius clauses to figure out who’s actually making the trip to Leeds this August. Whether it’s viral stars or returning indie icons, there are plenty of clues hidden in the latest tour routings.
So, based on the latest announcements and some very specific logistical gaps, here are 15 acts we think could be heading to the fields this summer.
7. The Last Dinner Party
They are currently on a monumental run, having just added Latitude Festival and Isle of Wight Festival to their 2026 schedule. Their July headline show at Finsbury Park (supporting Wolf Alice) further strengthens the Leeds link. | Getty Images
8. The 1975
While currently on hiatus, 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of their era-defining second album. Matty Healy has a habit of using the Leeds stage for one-off celebrations, making them the strong rumour for a high-profile Special Guest or surprise Sunday set. | Jordan Curtis Hughes
9. Wunderhorse
They have been confirmed for Electric Picnic in Ireland and All Points East in London during the same August window. Since R&L and Electric Picnic share a huge portion of their line-up, Wunderhorse is a strong contender to return to Leeds this year. | Mark Bickerdike Photography
10. The Prodigy
They are hitting the First Direct Arena in Leeds on April 22. This early-year show clears them of any spring radius clauses, and with confirmed dates in Manchester and Edinburgh on the August Bank Holiday weekend, a Sunday night slot in Leeds is a logical stop-off. | Rahual Singh
11. Beabadoobee
She is headlining Hinterland Festival in the US in early August, but has a wide-open gap for the rest of the month. As a Gen-Z indie icon, she fits the 2026 aesthetic perfectly and could be revealed as a sub-headliner for the pop-leaning stages. | VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
12. Sleep Token
Sleep Token are currently at the peak of their live powers. Their 2026 schedule is notably clear for the late August window, and given their history of being revealed in the "second wave" (just as they were in 2023), they are the top candidate to bring an atmospheric, theatrical presence to the Main Stage. | Matt Higgs/Download Festival